Question

Explain the major women’s movements in India.

Hint:

Women's movements in India have played a vital role in legal reforms, gender equality, and social awareness.

Answer 1

Women's movements in India have played a critical role in advancing gender equality, legal rights, and social justice. Major Women's Movements in India:
Pre-Independence Movements:
Social Reform Movements (19th Century): Led by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotiba Phule, focused on banning Sati, promoting widow remarriage, and female education.
Participation in Freedom Struggle: Leaders like Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, and Aruna Asaf Ali played key roles in India’s independence movement.

Post-Independence Movements:
Chipko Movement (1973): Women actively participated in environmental conservation.
Anti-Dowry Movement (1970s-80s): Led to the strengthening of the Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961.
Shah Bano Case (1985): Brought reforms in Muslim women’s rights regarding maintenance after divorce.

Contemporary Women's Movements:
Nirbhaya Movement (2012): Led to stricter laws against sexual assault (Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2013).
\#MeToo Movement (2018): Raised awareness about workplace harassment and gender discrimination.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (2015): Government initiative to promote female education and empowerment.

Impact of Women's Movements:
Strengthened legal frameworks for gender equality.
Increased awareness about women’s rights and social justice.
Enhanced participation of women in politics, economy, and education.
Conclusion: Women’s movements in India have contributed significantly to gender justice, but challenges like gender discrimination, violence, and unequal opportunities still persist.